• Father of Lions

  • One Man's Remarkable Quest to Save the Mosul Zoo
  • By: Louise Callaghan
  • Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
  • Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (16 ratings)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Father of Lions  By  cover art

Father of Lions

By: Louise Callaghan
Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $20.24

Buy for $20.24

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

"Narrator Saul Reichlin delivers this true story of Abu Laith, the zookeeper of Mosul, Iraq.... This is a triumph of humanity in the midst of adversity." (AudioFile Magazine)

Father of Lions is the powerful true story of the evacuation of the Mosul Zoo, featuring Abu Laith the zookeeper, Simba the lion cub, Lula the bear, and countless others, faithfully depicted by acclaimed, award-winning journalist Louise Callaghan in her trade publishing debut.

Combining a true-to-life narrative of humanity in the wake of war with the heartstring-tugging account of rescued animals, Father of Lions will appeal to audiences of best sellers like The Zookeeper’s Wife and The Bookseller of Kabul as well as fans of true animal stories such as A Streetcat Named Bob, Marley and Me, and Finding Atticus.

"An unexpectedly funny and moving book... Through the story of a man who loves both lions and life, Louise Callaghan shows how humour and defiance can counter cruelty, and why both humans and animals crave freedom." (Lindsey Hilsum, International Editor, Channel 4 News, and author of In Extremis: The Life and Death of the War Correspondent Marie Colvin)

An NPR Best Book of the Year - 2020

©2020 Louise Callaghan (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

More from the same

What listeners say about Father of Lions

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    12
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    7
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    7
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting Four Paws Story

Excellent true story concerning the rise and fall of ISIS in post invasion Iraq where its citizens and animals are concerned. This true story is an excellent recantation of brave people fighting evil forces for the benefit of animals. Outstanding narration, thrilling suspense, and entertaining timeline make for an enjoyable listening experience.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Enlightening

Helps you to understand the chaos & disruption that went on in their lives during the war. All that they cared about was at risk!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!